Study 1 details a quantitative investigation of 420 adults, half of whom were diagnosed as autistic and half of whom were typically developed (TD). To explore this, we conducted two studies. ![]() The authors suggest that this may be due to the more nuanced, language-dependent social contexts in which female friendships form, which may disproportionately disadvantage autistic females when engaging with peers. ( 2020) found that while both male and female autistic adolescents experienced peer victimization, female experiences of victimization more heavily factored into internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and depression. They are also at a higher risk for suicidality following bullying (Holden et al., 2020), indicating a possible increased sensitivity in autistic females relating to social rejection. Compared to males, they are at an increased risk of developing internalizing disorders, which negatively impact upon QoL (Jamison & Schuttler, 2015 Solomon et al., 2012). Autistic females reportedly show higher social motivation and engage in more traditional friendships than autistic males (Sedgewick et al., 2016), but this is not necessarily protective. Research shows that perceived stress (Hong et al., 2016) and reduced social support (Kapp, 2018) negatively influence QoL for autistic adults.Īutistic females may be particularly at-risk for developing poor QoL outcomes (Mason et al., 2018). Satisfaction with life is a more unidimensional and highly subjective measure of wellbeing, which previous research has found to be lower in autistic adults in relation to social support (Schmidt et al., 2015). Specifically, social anxiety and loneliness have been found to mediate the relationship between autistic traits and quality of life (Reed et al., 2016), as has perceived social support (Stimpson et al., 2020). ![]() Research suggests the above constructs significantly affect the quality of life in autistic and non-autistic adults. QoL encompasses and is affected by many factors, including loneliness, social anxiety/avoidance, social support, and satisfaction with life. QoL is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as ‘an individual’s perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value systems in which they live (World Health Organization & Division of Mental Health and Prevention of Substance Abuse, 1997, p. This may explain why autistic adults are at an increased risk of experience psychological symptoms and distress compared to the general population as they age (Lever & Geurts, 2016), which can negatively influence the trajectory of quality of life (QoL). For those who mask regularly, there is an increased risk for developing co-occurring conditions such as anxiety and depression (Cage et al., 2018). ![]() Compensation in this way, however, is not necessarily positive or indicative of ‘improvement.’ While it may benefit an autistic person in some spheres, for most, the costs of camouflaging outweighs the rewards (Mandy, 2019). For instance, many suggest that over time autistic people develop the ability to ‘mask’ or ‘camouflage’ symptoms to appear ‘normal’ (Hull et al., 2017). However, what constitutes ‘improvement of symptoms’ is a complex issue that depends on what constitutes improvement to given individuals. Some suggest that targeted therapies early in life may improve symptoms (Fein et al., 2013). However, research is unclear as to why symptoms may improve. Some research suggests as autistic adults age, symptoms improve or remain stable (Happé & Charlton, 2012 Howlin et al., 2014 Magiati et al., 2014 Siebes et al., 2018). We expanded into the realm of digital board games with Galaxy Trucker and now with the Through the Ages adaptation.Understanding this trajectory in the autistic population is essential. Alchemists, Dungeon Lords, Tzolk'in to name just a few.
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